Ramires dedicates Chelsea’s FA Cup win to Eusébio

Chelsea midfielder Ramires has paid tribute to Portuguese legend Eusébio after the legend of the game died aged 71 due to a cardiac arrest in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ramires played in Chelsea’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Derby County and alongside fellow Brazilian David Luiz wore a black armband to mark the great mans death.

After the match the Brazil midfielder, who played at Benfica for one season, dedicated the win to Eusébio. Lance reported the quotes from the 26-year-old.

“The football was more sad today with the death of Eusébio. I am privileged to have known him personally and also for having defended the colours of Benfica, the club of his heart. The least we could do was give this sincere tribute and dedicate this victory to him.”

Following his tribute to the 1965 European Footballer of the Year, Ramires talked about the importance of resting before Chelsea’s next match on Saturday away to Hull City.

The Blues midfielder hopes the six-day gap between that match will help them recover from the exhausting Christmas period

“We had a secure match (versus Derby) and achieved our goal of advancing to the next stage.

“We have almost a week of rest now and it will be important to recover 100% physically after the marathon games we have had late in 2013.”